Archive · 16 Sep 2025
US Presidents and Royal Family Protocol Breaches
Sometimes, US presidents and the British Royal Family have a few awkward moments.
President Carter was rumored to have kissed the Queen Mother.
President Bush joked about the Queen's age.
Michelle Obama broke protocol by touching the Queen first, but the Queen touched her back.
President Obama spoke through the British anthem.
And President Trump walked in front of the Queen.
These are examples of how even leaders can make mistakes when around royalty.
President Carter was rumored to have kissed the Queen Mother on the lips.
President Bush made a joke about Queen Elizabeth II's age.
Michelle Obama touched Queen Elizabeth II, breaking protocol.
President Obama spoke through the British national anthem.
President Trump walked ahead of Queen Elizabeth II.
- Who
- US Presidents and British Royals
- What
- Protocol breaches and awkward moments during official engagements.
- When
- 1970s-2010s
- Where
- Buckingham Palace, White House, Windsor Castle
- Why
- Nerves or simple mistakes when interacting with royalty.
- Event
- Instances of protocol breaches by US Presidents with British Royals.
- People Involved
- US Presidents: Carter, Bush, Obama, Trump; British Royals: Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Mother, King Charles III
- Locations
- Buckingham Palace, White House, Windsor Castle
- Key Issues
- Kissing, age jokes, touching, speaking during anthem, and walking protocol.
